YCCAC/Nasson Staff,
I wanted to share an important update about federal vaccine mandates. As you may know, there are several COVID-19 vaccine mandates, and we have been watching them closely to determine which one(s) YCCAC will be obligated to follow.
We have now received guidance and have determined that we are required to adhere to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) mandate. Nasson is already in compliance with the State of Maine Health Care Worker mandate and Children’s Services will be in compliance with the Office of Head Start mandate under its timeline.
What does this mean?
YCCAC is required to mandate the vaccination of all staff, without the option for weekly testing. ‘All staff’ includes all employees, even those currently working remotely. By December 6, all staff who haven’t done so already will be required to provide proof of vaccination to HR or receive the first dose of the vaccine. (This includes the one dose of the J&J). All staff will be required to be fully vaccinated by January 4th.
The CMS rule does not provide the option for weekly testing, unless a staff person requests and is approved for either a religious or medical exemption. Under the approved exemptions, weekly testing may be provided by the agency.
For Nasson and Head Start staff: you have already received guidance about the mandates that apply to your Departments.
Please contact your manager or HR if you have any questions about the mandate.
Thanks everyone. The pandemic continues to be a trying time for all of us. Please don’t hesitate to let me know if you have any questions.